Brunch bites: Bilog

A breakfast plate with white jasmine rice, eggs and bacon at Bilog Coffee Bar and Gelateria in Wyoming. (Credit: Cara Owsley | Metromix)

When I suggested brunch on Sunday at Bilog in Wyoming to my friend she thought I was nuts. “Wyoming? Oh right, on the West Side, not the state.”

I have to say it was my first trek to Wyoming as well and was intrigued to see the infamous “where Paddock meets Vine at the big Indian sign” car dealership. Just around the bend, the streets change, the trees get bigger and suddenly you are in Pleasantville.

The mood: As we pulled up to Bilog (which includes coffee, tea and gelato in its name), I was pleasantly surprised by the quaintness, charm and comfort of the café. As you walk in, it is set-up Panera style – ordering at the counter – but then you can settle into a table and make yourself comfortable since they deliver your order to you instead of standing in line.

The design is clean and modern but with cozy touches of a wicker patio furniture section and modernized fireplace. I have found my new home for reading, sipping coffee and people watching!

The food: Bilog is a fusion of international delights with European, Mediterranean, African and Filipino inspirations. Since I have been to the Philippines I was excited to try the Filipino dishes. The owner is from the Philippines and added her personal favorites to the menu.

I ordered the Breakfast Rice Plate ($4.75) with jasmine rice, pulled chicken (instead of pork) and scrambled eggs (instead of fried eggs). Sounds strange as an American breakfast but it was a great balance of flavors with my caramel latte ($4.25).

I’m going to say it — you won’t believe me — this latte was better than anything exported from that Seattle coffee place. No lie.

My friend had the spinach and feta quiche ($6) and the Vietnamese-style coffee ($4.25) with Snickerdoodle brewed coffee and condensed milk. It was sweet, creamy and addictive!

To top it off we shared the gluten-free cinnamon roll. Hands down, it was the best cinnamon roll ever. I will go back just for that. They offer other gluten-free items as well. Their pastry chef came from Bonbonerie, so you know they are all delectable.

The menu also tempts you with sushi, Mediterranean lentil stew, Greek meatballs, African peanut soup and empanadas, to name a few.

The verdict: They also have a drive-thru for beverages and baked goods. I wish Bilog was in my neighborhood; I would be there every day.